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Manipur Chief Minister, N Biren Singh addressing a press conference in Imphal on Wednesday. (NNN Photo)
Newmai News Network
Imphal | November 27
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh urged the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) to lift the boycott of Manipur Sangai Festival "as the Government has fulfilled" their demands of calling State Assembly session and fixing an appointment with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He made the appeal while addressing a press conference held at the Durbar Hall of Chief Minister's Secretariat in Imphal on Wednesday.
Singh said that people should not take Manipur Sangai Festival as just a simple event, which is organised for merrymaking and entertainment alone. The Chief Minister added that the festival serves as an opportunity for the State to explore ways of boosting economy. Stating that Manipur Sangai Festival is organised for the future of people of Manipur, Singh said that it is not only a pride for Manipur but also a platform to promote the identity of the State to the world.
Regarding meeting of COCOMI team with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the CM stated that despite his busy schedules due to the ongoing Parliament session and political developments in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, Amit Shah gave appointment for the meeting acknowledging the significance of the grievances and demands raised by the people of Manipur. During the meeting that lasted around one hour, the Chief Minister informed, COCOMI leaders had the opportunity to apprise the Union Home Minister about all the grievances and apprehensions of "Manipuri people" due to the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks. Singh further said that after patiently hearing the points raised by COCOMI representatives, the Union Home Minister once again gave them a "concrete assurance" stating that the Centre would not do anything detrimental to Manipur's interest in any manner in the process of bringing a "final solution to the Naga peace process".
Regarding COCOMI's demand for a written assurance, the Home Minister told them that no such assurance had been given to anybody regarding any issue so far, the Chief Minister said. The CM added that Amit Shah instead requested the COCOMI team to have trust in his commitment given in the presence of the Chief Minister, Ministers and high ranking officials. The Union Home Minister also told COCOMI team that the Central Government would call them again for consultation "if anything against the interest of Manipuri people emerges during negotiations with the Nagas".
Regarding COCOMI's demand to the State Government for convening an Assembly session, the Chief Minister said that the winter session of Manipur Legislative Assembly would be convened by December 20. "As both their demands had been fulfilled, COCOMI should also keep their words and lift the boycott without waiting till November 29 in the larger interest of the State", the CM stated.
After the meeting with COCOMI representatives, Singh said, he had a separate discussion regarding Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) as well with the Union Home Minister. "During the meeting, Amit Shah informed me that the Centre is considering to insert a separate clause for the protection of indigenous peoples of the North East", the Chief Minister also stated.
Stating that the present State Government would never remain as a silent spectator when anything detrimental to the State's interest and indigenous people happens, Singh urged the people to have trust in the Government.
